Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School Crew Manual (revised Spring 2015)
Background Information
Crew is the sport of rowing a lightweight boat (shell) as fast as it will go!
At Bishop Sullivan, our shells are powered by four or eight sweep rowers and
are steered by a coxswain (cox-n). In sweep rowing, each rower handles
one oar in a shell approximately 42 feet long (for a 4-person shell) or 65 foot
long for an eight. Sculling is done with two oars by one person in a
"single" or two people in a “double.”
Crew as a sport has several unique characteristics. While teamwork plays an
important role in all "team" sports, it is absolutely critical in
rowing. A sweep boat's success is dependent on all the boat’s
rowers putting forth 100% effort, in unison. Crew is as much a mental endeavor
as it is a physical one; the psychological pressure not to let your team down
can be astounding. This concept of teamwork serves team members well, in school
and throughout life.
Physically, rowing requires a near-perfect blend of power, coordination and
endurance: power in the delivery of each independent stroke, coordination in
the timing of the delivery of the strokes, and endurance in the ability to
sustain that output for up to 1500 meters. The integrated delivery of the
legs, back, upper torso and arms for each stroke, up to 35 strokes per minute
over a race lasting 6 minutes is unlike any other athletic endeavor.
Post-event exhaustion can only be partially overcome by the satisfaction of a
job well done and the occasional thrill of victory. See the appendix for a list
of rowing terms.
Crew also imparts a serious sense of discipline, which seems to carry over to
better performance academically by requiring careful budgeting of time between
sports and schoolwork.
Bishop
Sullivan Catholic High Crew
The BSCHS crew program was established in the spring of 2000 and continues to
grow in size. The beginnings of the program were related in a recent post on
the team website:
http://catholiccrew.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-look-back.html
We will continue to build on the
experience and success of last year when we sent two crews to the state
championship. Last season we also acquired two additional eights and a second
single, all of which increase the rowing opportunities for the team.
Goals
The BSCHS crew program has established the following goals that reflect the
nature of the program as a varsity sport and the needs of the program over
time:
1. To have
everyone row as often as possible in as many regattas as possible.
2. As a
team, to have all members compete in a crew at every regatta.
3. To
acquire additional equipment, in particular ergs and oars, to provide
additional rowing opportunities for students.
4. To
promote a spirit of camaraderie, enjoyment, responsibility and dedication where
students learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, in addition to learning to
row.
The
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School Crew Program
The
sport of rowing (a.k.a. “crew”) is a relatively new addition to interscholastic
athletics in the Hampton Roads area. Both public and private high schools
participate in crew. BSCHS will compete against Norfolk
Collegiate, Norfolk Academy, Cape Henry, Maury, Cox, Maury, Granby,
Hickory, Great Bridge, First Colonial, Princess Anne, Saint Margaret (of
Tappahannock) and James River (from Richmond). Crew has strong support from the
administration, the athletic director, and the Crusader Club. The majority of
the support for the program, however, comes from the student/athletes and/or
their parents. The contributions of the both the student/athletes and their
parents in time and transportation are the cornerstone of the program's
success.
Inventory
of Equipment
Bishop Sullivan’s crew program has benefited from the dedication and commitment
of student/athletes and parents. We have acquired the following inventory:
2
WinTech shells (4+), new in 2007. One is a LW (Synchronicity) and one is a MW (Nike).
2 older
Vespoli shells (8+). One is a LW (J.A.B.)
and one is a MW (Badger).
1 older Kaschper shell (8+). MW with wing riggers (Wildcat).
1 older Kaschper shell (8+). MW with wing riggers (Wildcat).
1 older
Vespoli (4+) HW (Four Mile Run)
1 older
Hudson single 1X (Single Minded)
& 1 older Fugi single 1X (Wooden it
be Nice)
32
sweep oars & 2 sculling oars, 7 ergometers
2
outboard motors, 2 safety boats: one Jon boat and one wakeless launch (Out to Launch).
1 trailer
capable of holding up to 12 shells and considerable support equipment (life
vests, gas cans, spare parts, etc.) Boats and equipment are maintained by
the coach and coxswains.
We also
have two older Schoenbrod 4+s (Veni-Vidi-Vici
and Megan O’Malley) and one 8+ (The Unnamed Eight.) All boats are painted white (to minimize heat
distortion) and display green deck chevrons and striping.
Transportation
Transportation
to practice and regattas is the responsibility of each family. Junior and
senior members of the team often form carpools. The school has a bus that can
transport rowers to the afterschool practices for a nominal fee (there is no
return but to school, however.) Ultimately transportation to and from practices
and local regattas is the responsibility of individual families. The school
will provide transportation to “away” regattas.
Rower's
Equipment
The equipment required for the rower consists of running shoes, workout
clothes, and a water bottle. Suggested clothing include: polypropylene or
spandex pants or shorts, long underwear shirt, wool or fleece hat, long running
tights, wool socks, a polar fleece jacket, sweats (tops and bottoms), and a hat
for sunny days. Weather in March, April and May can be very cold. Crew team
shirts are provided by the crew club. Racing uniforms shirts for the boys and
girls are provided by the school.
Fall
Training
Learn-to-row training will take place in the fall. Scheduled sessions will be
arranged to accommodate students’ availability. The boat will often consist of
a mixed crew (boys and girls). There are a couple of long “head races” in the
fall in which we hope to enter our most experienced crew.
Off
season Conditioning
The off
season conditioning and weight training begins after we return from Christmas
break. Winter conditioning is optional for those students who are not involved
in a fall or winter sport at Bishop Sullivan. It is highly recommended for all
other rowers and is a very important part of the program. Off-season
conditioning will consist of 2-3 days of weight training and aerobic
conditioning per week. A completed VHSL Athletic Participation/Parental
Consent/Physical Examination Form is required before
participation in winter conditioning will be allowed. There is an indoor “erg
race” sponsored by the Hampton Roads Rowing Club in early February where team
members can compare their conditioning with other high school students on
indoor rowing machines.
Practices
On-the-water practices are currently held on
the Lafayette River from the Sigrid Robertson Rowing Center at Lakewood Park in Norfolk.
When on the water, the shells are accompanied by a safety boats manned by the
coaches and containing life jackets and other safety gear, such as blankets.
The safety boats remains within 100 yards of the shells at all times.
Megaphones are used to communicate between the safety boat and the shells. All
student/athletes must pass a swim test to demonstrate their ability to handle
themselves in case of an accident. The coaches at the start of the season hold
demonstrations on safety and recovery.
Weight training and conditioning practices are held in the BSCHS weight room,
in the gym, or on the track. When students are not on the water they should be
working out with their crew. Distance running is a team effort headed by the
team captains.
Boat
Selection
The coaches select individuals for boats based on many factors. Rowers
demonstrate their physical ability on rowing machines called ergometers. The
coaches also look for good rowing technique in the boat, which is developed
over time and with concentration at practice. Attitude and attendance at
practice play a role in boat selection as well. In all cases, the coaches
reserve the right to use a certain amount of subjective judgment in making
these decisions. It is the intent of the coaches that all team members compete
in the regattas as a member of a crew.
Student/Athlete
Standards
The Bishop Sullivan Catholic High crew program adheres to all BSCHS athletic
standards. In order to participate in crew, the student/athlete must subscribe
to each of the following standards to remain eligible. These standards include,
but are not limited to:
* Proof
of a valid physical exam within the last calendar year. All physicals are to be
turned into the Athletic Director’s Office.
*
Demonstrated ability to pass a swim test that consists of swimming 50 yards and
treading water for 10 minutes, fully clothed.
*
Compliance with VHSL and crew program eligibility rules. This includes
maintaining a 2.0 GPA to participate.
*
Attendance at all scheduled practices. Only those absences approved by the
coach will be excused.
*
Failure to attend practices will affect team status.
*
Missed practices may be made up at the discretion of the coach.
*
Absolute compliance with Bishop Sullivan’s no smoking/alcohol/drug abuse
policy.
*
Completion of the EVSRA/USRowing liability waiver.
2015
Crew Season
Crew season officially begins March 1st and goes through mid- May. Practice
during the season is held before or after school on weekdays and on some
Saturdays and Sundays. Regattas are held weekends (usually Saturdays.) The
scheduled regattas typically include four local regattas held at Botanical
Gardens, including the EVSRA Championships and the Independent Schools
Championships, one or two regattas at Mathews, Virginia, a regatta
at Richmond, and the state championships in Occoquan. The schedule is
posted on the team’s website, catholiccrew.blogspot.com.
Regattas are almost always on Saturdays and start as early as 7
a.m. and last for the better part of the day, ending around 3:00
p.m. “Away” regattas usually require either a Friday departure (for
Occoquan) or a very early Saturday departure (for Mathews or Richmond.)
All crew parents and family members are invited to cheer for BSCHS at regattas.
You should bring your own lawn chairs, seat cushions and/or blankets.
Regatta Events
A regatta consists of races referred to as events. Events consist of
different sizes, classes and configuration of shells. The events during a
regatta include varsity and novice classes. Boys and girls compete is separate
races. All schools in the area compete in fours. Some schools also field
eights.
Regatta Locations
Regattas are held at one of four locations. Locally,
the Lake Whitehurst venue adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is
the preferred site due to the sheltered conditions. Most regattas will be held
there. There is a minimal charge for parking, but a yearly family pass allowing
unlimited admittance. The Lafayette River regattas are held at
the Robertson Rowing Center where we practice. We also
travel (about a two hour drive north of school) to participate in the Mathews
Regattas held at Williams Wharf in Mathews, VA, near Gloucester, VA, and to
James River High School, just west of Richmond. Students should arrange their
own transportation to regattas, except for the Mathews and James
River regattas to which transportation will be provided by the school’s
mini-bus.
Lettering
To letter, a student/athlete must meet Bishop Sullivan Catholic High's academic
criteria, be in good standing and participate for the entire season. In good
standing means participation in support activities, fund raising activities and
helping to maintain the equipment. As a varsity sport, varsity letters are
awarded according to standards established by the school and the coaches. As a
general rule, varsity letters are awarded to rowers who compete in
interscholastic competition. Because there is no “junior varsity” rowing team,
even novices can be awarded varsity letters. All athletes who participate on
the crew team for three years will also be awarded a letter.
Coaches
and Parents
Our program is fortunate to have dedicated, experienced and involved
individuals on our coaching staff. The head coach is Mr. Bousquet, a math
teacher and senior class moderator at BSCHS. Mr. Bousquet is a US Rowing Level
I certified coach. The assistant coaches are Mr. Jay O’Brien and Mr. Mike
Turner. Assisting all three are parents of team members. Parents are also
needed to assist at regattas (as timers, skiff operators, even “go-fers.”)
There is an opportunity for parent volunteers to receive free training in
regatta positions and to become US Rowing-certified referees. Coach O’Brien
has earned the referee certification and is a good point of contact on how to
become a referee. Strong involvement from parents allows the crew program to
grow and succeed.
Bishop
Sullivan Catholic High Crusader Club
The Crusader Club works with the school to support the Bishop Sullivan Catholic
High crew program. The Crusader Club consists of parents of student/athletes
who help support all the extra-curricular activities of the school. Parents who
wish to support the crew team should join the Crusader Club to coordinate their
efforts.
Liability Insurance
The United States Rowing Association (USRA) provides liability insurance to all
involved in conducting its sanctioned regattas. Such insurance facilitates the
conduct of regattas with the large number of volunteer workers without whom the
events would not otherwise be possible. The EVSRA/USRowing waiver must be
completed and on file with the coach before students attend on-the-water
activities.
Directions to rowing sites
Robertson
Rowing Center at Lakewood Park in Norfolk: From the
I-264/I-64 interchange go north on I-64 towards Richmond (outer
beltway or I-64West). Take the 2nd Tidewater
Drive exit (#277A, Tidewater Drive/Rte 168 South). Once on Tidewater, go
about a mile and a half, through 4 lights and turn right onto Willow Wood
Drive. The entrance to Lakewood Park is about 300 yards on the
right. The Rowing Center is at the end of the driveway, on
the Lafayette River.
Botanical
Gardens. Take I-64 to the Norview Avenue/Airport exit. Head
towards the airport, turn left on Azalea Garden road. Proceed
about 1 mile and turn right into The Botanical Garden. The rowing site is on
the left after crossing the bridge. There is a $5 per vehicle fee for
admittance into the Botanical Garden.
Richmond, Mathews, and Occoquan venues
are away regattas and directions can be found on the team website
catholiccrew.blogspot.com.
Glossary
Shell - The racing boat. Shells come for single
rowers, pairs, fours, and eights. Fours are the most common type in local
interscholastic racing. A four is approximately 42 feet long, narrow (about two
feet wide at its widest point), and weighs about 180 pounds. Shells are finely
designed and constructed pieces of equipment.
Oars - Longer than the garden variety type for
rowboats - some 12 feet in length and like shells, lightweight and finely
designed.
Riggers - The apparatus from the
side of the shells upon which oarlocks are fitted to handle the oars.
Slide - Two tracks upon which the rower's seat is
fixed. The seat moves forward and backward on the slide, enabling the rower to
"gather up" his or her body at the start of the stroke and then use
the combined power of the legs, back, and arms when actually executing the
slide.
Sweep - A shell configured so that each rower has
one oar. Oars on a sweep shell are normally alternated from side to side.
Scull - A shell configured so that each rower has
two oars, one on each side of the boat.
Coxswain - The person who sits at the stern of
the shell and steers, gives commands to the crew and generally acts as an
"on-site" assistant to the coach. Because coxswains don't pull an
oar, relatively lightweight people are sought for the position; however, a good
coxswain will have as much competitive spirit as the rowers and can make a
considerable difference to a crew's success.
Stroke - The stern-most rower in the boat that sits
just in front of the coxswain. The stroke sets the pace for the rest of the
crew, responding to the urging and encouragement of the coxswain.
Port and Starboard Rowers - In
sweep rowing, the designation of a rower according to whether he or she
normally rows with an oar on the port or starboard side of the shell.
Catch - The start of a rowing stroke. The crew
literally "catches" their oars in the water while beginning the
stroke.
Release - The act of getting the oar
out of the water at the end of the stroke and beginning the recovery (gathering
the body with the knees coming up) for the next stroke.
Crab - Not the hard or soft-shelled variety. A
rower catches a "crab" when his or her oar doesn't enter the water
properly at the catch, and the blade buries itself to varying degrees in the
water instead of flowing smoothly through the stroke. Crabs slow a boat down
and are to be avoided if possible, but all rowers experience them at one time
or another.
Set - The term "set" refers to the
extent to which the boat is balanced from side to side while rowing. A crew
rowing in such a way that the shell is not dipping to port or starboard
continually is said to have good "set" in its row.
Power 10- a set of strokes when the crew makes an
extra effort to "get everything on the oar" and make the shell go
faster. (Can be power 15 or 20 also). Used in a race to try and get a tactical
advantage on the other crew(s).
Ergometer - A rowing machine. An "erg"
allows beginning rowers to learn the basics of the stroke before going on the
water and all rowers to develop their conditioning.
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